The efforts of 11 local New Mexico MainStreet programs over the past year has earned recognition for commercial district revitalization by meeting performance standards set by the National Trust MainStreet Center. Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela, whose department houses the New Mexico MainStreet program, noted the diligently and effectively run MainStreet prorams around the state. “Here in New Mexico we have a committed group of individuals who understand the importance of historic preservation and its impact on economic growth, especially in downtown districts, and have upheld strict guidelines and standards in managing their programs,” he said. “They have accomplished great things by improving their communities while being good stewards of public and private funding.”
“The national accreditation means the local Main Street programs are meeting our national standards of performance for what a Main Street program should be doing,” said Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust MainStreet Center. “The organizations we name each year as National Main Street Programs are those that have demonstrated the skills and comprehensive perspective needed to succeed in Main Street revitalization.”
The annual accreditation process evaluates commercial district revitalization programs based on criteria ranging from having an active board of directors and paid professional manager to tracking economic progress and preserving historic MainStreet buildings.
The following local New Mexico MainStreet programs received national accreditation this year: Artesia MainStreet, Clovis MainStreet, Corrales MainStreet, Grants MainStreet, Hobbs MainStreet, Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, MainStreet de Las Vegas, Los Alamos MainStreet, Nob Hill MainStreet, Silver City MainStreet and Tucumcari MainStreet.
National Accreditation Standards of Performance were developed by the National Trust Main Street Center and their coordinating MainStreet program partners.
•Has broad-based community support for the commercial district revitalization process, with strong support from both the public and private sectors.
• Has developed vision and mission statements relevant to community conditions and to the local Main Street
• program’s organizational stage Has a comprehensive MainStreet work plan
• Possesses an historic preservation ethic
• Has an active board of directors and committees
• Has an adequate operating budget
• Has a paid professional program manager
• Conducts a program of ongoing training for staff and volunteers
• Reports key statistics
• Is a current member of the National Trust MainStreet Network